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Mark Holmberg makes house call to grant ailing woman’s Christmas wish

Posted at 7:54 AM, Dec 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-21 08:27:10-05

RICHMOND, Va -- All Brenda really wanted for Christmas was to regain her strength following some health scares. The ailing homeowner said her condition has made it difficult to maintain upkeep around her Richmond home.

"I [spent] Thanksgiving in the hospital. I can't afford to do any shopping or decorating and I'm fine with that," she said. "I just wish I had someone to come and get up all the leaves in my yard. My home looks abandoned. What I'm wishing for doesn't sound like much to some, but for me that would really lift my spirit."

When Brenda's Christmas wish arrived at WTVR, it was directed to one of the newsroom's tallest elves -- the 6'9" Mark Holmberg.

"Good Morning! Mark Holmberg Channel 6 News," Mark said when he showed up unannounced at Brenda's front door.

"I know who you are! Oh god, you are so handsome," the surprised homeowner responded.

"You wanted a leaf raking and we're here to get it done," Mark said.

Mark, with the help of CBS 6 reporter Jon Burkett and a lawn care crew, cleared Brenda's yard of leaves.

"This has made my holiday, it really has," Brenda said. "Everyone wants gifts and stuff. All I wanted was my health and strength."

"That's my take on it. What's your's?" Brenda said, echoing Mark's signature line back to him.

The CBS 6 Month of Giving is possible due to a partnership with Union Bank and Trust. All we ask is that the recipients pay it forward one day.

Watch CBS 6 Month of Giving segments each day or catch up online.